Man arrested in UW anti-female posters, emails incidents

Waterloo Region Record

WATERLOO — Police have charged a 34-year-old former University of Waterloo student in connection with a series of anti-female posters and emails that have plagued the university community since February.

The university launched an investigation after an email claiming to be from the university’s president was circulated with a message that showed a nuclear bomb and scientist Marie Curie, who discovered radium, and implied that women shouldn’t hold positions of power.

The university had earlier received complaints about posters with a similar message plastered over those of female candidates during an internal university election. Several other emails have been sent from an anonymous account since the initial one.

Dan Anderson, the director of UW’s police service, said as many as 17 different emails were received by staff, faculty and students.

“A group of people on campus, particularly women, became fearful,” he said. “The thought that they should be oppressed and they were being connected with these images of violence, it made them fearful.”

The emails were also distributed to faculty and students at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Balsillie School of International Affairs.

Ellen Rethore, UW’s associate vice-president of communications and public affairs, said the university made it clear early on that messages of discrimination and hate wouldn’t be tolerated.

She said a message was to be sent out to faculty and students Monday night thanking them for their patience as the investigation progressed.

“It’s important to note that the investigation continues,” she said. “We’re encouraging any member of the public or campus community, if they do have additional information, to get in touch with the University of Waterloo Police Services or regional police.”

Zamir Nathoo of Kitchener was arrested Sunday and charged with criminal harassment, personation with intent and mischief to property. He was held for a bail hearing.

Waterloo Regional Police say the criminal investigation continues and may result in further charges.